Automotive
BYD Sealion 5 DM-i launches in the Philippines
Versatile electrified sub-compact SUV offers range, efficiency, power
The BYD Sealion 5 DM-i is now available in the Philippines. BYD Cars Philippines officially unveiled the electrified sub-compact SUV in an event Friday at Muntinlupa City, Metro Manila.
Part of the ever-expanding Ocean series, the BYD Sealion 5 DM-i combines efficiency, power, and smart features. It delivers electrified performance powered by BYD Super DM-i technology, and all-around practicality.
The electric-first powertrain seamless combines electrified propulsion with a high-efficiency generator for long-distance driving. It has a combined output of 197 PS and 300 Nm of torque, and can accelerate from 0 to 100 kph in 8.3 seconds.
Drivers can select from Economy, Normal, and Sport modes. The Sealion 5 DM-i also has a driving range of over 1,000 kilometers. On its own, the 12.96 kWh Lithium Iron Phosphate Blade Battery is rated for up to 71 kilometers of pure electric driving.
The BYD DM-i system supports up to 3.3 kW of AC charging, allowing the Blade Battery to reach a full charge in approximately 4.5 hours.
For added versatility, Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) enables the vehicle to power external devices and appliances, in case the need for owners to do so arise.
More features inside and out
The BYD Sealion 5 DM-i also delivers an innovative blend of style, practicality, and tech.
Design wise, it features clean lines, full LED lighting, and 18-inch alloy wheels, along with heated, power-adjustable mirrors, integrated puddle lamps, and stylish roof rails.
Inside the cabin are premium, soft-to-touch materials combined with intuitive design elements.
There are leather seats, dual-zone climate control, and a 10.1-inch rotating touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The Sealion 5 DM-i also supports NFC card smart entry, push-start ignition, multiple BYD ports, and BYD Cloud Service. Owners can even remotely control the vehicle’s features with the BYD app.
More confidence with every drive
The Sealion 5 DM-i is equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety systems. These include:
- cruise control
- rear camera with radar sensors
- Electronic Stability Control
- Traction Control
- Hill Hold and Hill Descent
- real-time Tire Pressure Monitoring System
- six airbags
- ISOFIX child seat anchors
- ABS, EBD, and anti-rollover protection
Price, availability, offers
Customers can now get the offering for PhP 1,248,000 at BYD dealerships nationwide. But as a launch offer, the introductory price is only PhP 1,198,000.
The vehicle can also be secured for just a PhP 88,000 down payment through BYD’s banking partners.
Customers can choose from Arctic White, Harbour Grey, Cosmos Black, and Deep Sea Blue colorways.
BYD mentioned that owners can get potential savings of 20 to 40 percent on fuel and maintenance. The Sealion 5 DM-i only requires one Preventive Maintenance Service a year.
Moreover, the company’s comprehensive warranty coverage includes:
- 8 years or 160,000 kilometers for the Blade Battery
- 8 years or 150,000 kilometers for the electric motor and control systems
- 6 years or 150,000 kilometers for the new vehicle warranty
Automotive
VinFast to expand in the Philippines with e-scooters: report
VinFast to compete head-on with major motorbike players
VinFast is bringing its electric scooters to the Philippines.
According to a report by TopGear, the Vietnamese EV manufacturer has signed agreements with 14 local distributors.
The report mentioned that specifically, the Evo, Feliz II, and Viper models shall be made available. The rollout will naturally begin in metro areas, as expected.
These models provide longer range on a single full charge and higher top speeds compared to budget e-bikes. It means they are suitable to be driven on major highways, provided that drivers have a license and the scooter is registered.
Moreover, in what is somewhat similar to Gogoro’s model from a few years back, VinFast is set to have 30,000 battery-swapping stations nationwide.
This way, drivers wouldn’t have to worry about running out of battery power while on the road. They can simply swap batteries instead of looking for charging stations.
This development means VinFast is competing head-on against other fuel-powered motorcycle brands in a market where such vehicles are popular for everyday use.
Not only that, VinFast will likewise compete with the likes of Yadea, RUX Electric Mobility, and even Hatasu to a certain extent.
It doesn’t come as a surprise as back home, VinFast is aggressively pushing for electrification, selling e-scooters to consumers.
This is aligned with the government’s goal to eventually ban petrol motorbikes in major cities, including the capital Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon).
Given the massive rate the production is going, it is only sensible for VinFast to also target nearby markets where it already has a presence, including Indonesia, India, Malaysia, and Thailand.
In the Philippines, the Vingroup’s EV arm already competes in the electric cars and SUVs segment. Its offerings include the VF3 and VF5.
Automotive
Luxury you can ride: The Vespa 180cc Collection
Piaggio Philippines unveils the Vespa Sprint and Primavera collection at Makina Moto 2026!
Elegance is not about being noticed; it is about being remembered. In Italy, a Vespa serves as a statement of style rather than a mere tool for transportation. This philosophy treats every journey as an opportunity to approach life with beauty.
At Makina Moto 2026, Piaggio Philippines brought this ideal to life when it unveiled the new Vespa Sprint and Primavera 180cc collections.
Continuation of heritage
The legacy of Vespa exists somewhere between art and architecture, and this new generation continues that story for the local market.
These new models arrive as a living continuation of heritage, designed for the local rider who refuses to settle for the anonymous. To own a Vespa is to acquire a piece of culture as refined as a bespoke suit.
The Vespa Primavera 180cc carries the warmth of a tradition that celebrates beauty. It features a signature silhouette elevated by newly designed rims and a redesigned speedometer. This model balances heritage aesthetics with modern clarity.
For those who prefer a sharper edge, the Vespa Sprint 180cc speaks a contemporary vocabulary through sculpted lines and a high-definition dashboard that acts as a digital heart within its classic frame.
Technology meets style
The 180cc engine enhances the riding experience by providing a smooth, resonant power delivery that matches the visual poise of the bike.
Meanwhile, the Keyless Start system offers a fluid transition from standing to riding. Advanced ABS brakes secure this sense of effortless luxury. It provides a composed stop that mirrors the agile nature of the machine.
The Vespa Primavera 180cc starts at PhP 218,000 for the Standard variant and reaches PhP 268,000 for the Primavera Tech.
Simultaneously, the Sprint lineup begins at PhP 238,000 and extends to PhP 288,000 for the Tech variant.
Automotive
Changan hits full throttle with aggressive new models, technology
At MIAS 2026, Changan showcases its most diverse vehicle portfolio.
Inchcape Philippines, the official distributor of Changan in the local market, pulled the covers off its highly anticipated exhibit at the 2026 Manila International Auto Show.
Throughout the event, the brand showcased a formidable lineup that bridged the gap between traditional combustion and electric mobility.
Changan also gave visitors a hands-on experience through a comprehensive test drive lineup featuring the All-New Changan Eado Plus, the All-New Changan CS35 Max, and the electrified Nevo series.
A new era for the All-New Changan CS35 Max
The All-New Changan CS35 Max headlined the new releases as a sportier, more aggressive evolution of the brand’s consistent best-seller.
Changan designed this upgraded crossover for the on-the-go professional, stretching the wheelbase by 115 mm to create a more commanding presence and a spacious interior.
On the outside, elegant red accents and a sophisticated LED lighting system define the aesthetic, while the cabin features superior ergonomics and premium materials.
Under the hood, a 1.5L Turbocharged Bluecore engine delivers a punchy 180hp and 300 Nm of torque, while a 7-speed wet-type dual-clutch transmission manages the power with precision.
The All-New Changan Eado Plus
Changan also made a serious play for the sedan market with the debut of the All-New Eado Plus.
After dominating as a top-selling gasoline sedan in China, this model arrived in the Philippines to redefine everyday driving.
It pairs a sophisticated aesthetic with a value-packed feature set, positioning it as a primary volume driver for the brand this year.
While the show has concluded, Changan continues to celebrate the launch by offering special introductory pricing through April 30, giving commuters a compelling, tech-forward option for their daily drive.
Pioneering the NEV Frontier
The exhibit highlighted Changan’s leadership in New Energy Vehicles (NEVs).
The Nevo Hunter K50 made history at the show as the world’s first Range-Extended Electric Vehicle (REEV) pickup, delivering a massive 1,031-kilometer comprehensive range and 4×4 capability.
Joining the fleet was the Nevo Q05, a plug-in hybrid SUV that boasts a class-leading 1,215-kilometer total range and three distinct electric driving modes.
For city dwellers, the Changan Lumin BEV remained a standout choice, offering a fun, compact electric solution with the largest dimensions and highest battery capacity in the micro-BEV segment.
Changan rounded out the display with a preview of the New Changan CS55 Plus. The brand expects to launch it officially in the second half of 2026 as its flagship PHEV.
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